The Finnish National Individual Table Tennis Championships will take place on 21–22 March at the Vuores Sports Hall in Tampere, where national titles will be decided in five events: men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.
In the men’s singles, top seed Alex NAUMI of Kosken Kaiku returns as defending champion, aiming to secure his third senior national title. However, the road to the title will be far from straightforward. Among the leading challengers are Aleksi RÄSÄNEN (PT Espoo) and Lassi LEHTOLA (MBF Helsinki), both representing the new generation of Finnish talent. Notably, all three players currently train and compete in Sweden.
Experience will also play a key role, with Otto TENNILÄ (PT 75) once again expected to be among the medal contenders. Known internationally as part of the Pongfinity trio under the nickname “Sensei,” Tennilä traditionally performs strongly on home soil.
A notable absence from this year’s championships is Benedek OLÁH, who has dominated Finnish table tennis in recent years. OLÁH will instead be competing in Major League Table Tennis in the United States.
“It is a pity that Benedek could not make it this year. My goal is to defend last year’s double title. Hopefully, we will see a great tournament with plenty of high-quality matches,” said NAUMI.
In the women’s singles, Marina DONNER enters as the clear favourite, having claimed the national title for the past five consecutive years. The Åland-based player, representing MBF, missed the start of the season due to a shoulder injury but has been steadily regaining form ahead of the championships. Her title defence is expected to be challenged by Maria GIRLEA (PT Jyväskylä) and Aleksandra TITIEVSKAJA (PT Espoo), while young talent Jaimielee ENRIQUEZ could also play a role.
“It is great to be competing for the national title again. There are a few nerves already, but I am not putting unnecessary pressure on myself,” DONNER commented.
The doubles events promise further excitement. The top-seeded pairs are Alex NAUMI / Aleksi RÄSÄNEN in the men’s doubles and Marina DONNER / Maria GIRLEA in the women’s doubles, while Lassi LEHTOLA / Maria GIRLEA lead the field in mixed doubles.
Spectators will have free admission throughout the event. The finals, scheduled for Sunday at 15:00, will be streamed free of charge on ISTV and Ruutu+, with commentary provided by Mika Pyykkö and co-commentator Pasi Valasti.
Text: Heikki KIISKINEN / FTTA Photos: Ildiko KADAR
